Proclaiming February of 2026 as “American Heart Month” in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Every year, one in four Americans of all ages, genders, and ethnicities die from heart disease; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, 22 percent of all deaths in Rhode Island were due to heart disease; and

WHEREAS, The primary factors affecting heart disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use; and

WHEREAS, American Heart Month 2026 focuses on “heart health and preventing cardiovascular disease” and the need to nurture this vital organ to ensure enduring strength and well-being; and

WHEREAS, To show support for American Heart Month, citizens are encouraged to wear red and encourage others to join in the “colorful cause”; and

WHEREAS, In addition to wearing red, Rhode Islanders can use social media to raise awareness and share heart health facts, learn CPR, start a fitness challenge, or volunteer their time with organizations focusing on heart health; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims February of 2026 as “American Heart Month” and moreover supports all efforts to raise awareness of heart disease; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Jerome Larkin, MD and the American Heart Association – Rhode Island.